Europe's Largest Shopping Mall Opens in the UK
London’s Westfield Shopping Center Attracts Huge Crowds of Shoppers
Oct 30, 2008
Westfield London, the £1.6 billion West London development opens at a time when the UK has announced a recession and the US and the world's financial markets provide a roller-coaster ride. Yet on Thursday October 30th, there was no outward signs, with thousands of passionate shoppers eager to bag a bargain, pick up a launch-day freebie (like a glass of champagne) and soak up the euphoric atmosphere of the opening celebrations. London’s mayor, Boris Johnson, who officially opened the mall did not entertain the idea that it was a bad time for such a retail center.
The Westfield Shopping Centre in London’s Shepherd’s Bush area, is home to 265 stores looks something akin to a luxury shopping mall you would find in Dubai with its marble floors, crystal chandeliers and hi-tech flourishes.
Opening Day - Westfield London
Singing-phenomenon Leona Lewis, one of the hottest new artists around took to the stage to perform her hits Bleeding Love and Better in Time. Other celebrities who took part in the celebrations included Danii Minogue, The Sugarbabes,Yasmin Le Bon, and 60s supermodel Twiggy of America’s Next Top Model fame.
Westfield's Unique Features
Features that distinguish London Westfield from its competitors, Gateshead’s Metrocentre and Bluewater in Kent. These include wireless tracking technology which can be used to prevent lost children by using “Kidspotter,” an electronic registered tag attached to a child’s clothing, and a valet parking service whereby shoppers can text attendants, on completion of their shopping, to enable their car to be ready and waiting. Shopping Sherpas will also take your bags and place them in your car. For those who need to stay connected there are 770 free wi-fi points located around the mall, and there is also a "Quiet Room" which allos shoppers with aching feet to to sit peacefully, recharge their batteries and contemplate the swidsom of their (potential) purchases!
Westfield's Stores
Of the 265 stores, around 80 percent are fashion-focused, including 40 high-end brands, situated in a exclusive “village” style environment, like Prada, Versace, Gucci, Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton. High street giants Marks and Spencer, Next, Top Shop, Zara, H&M, River Island, Monsoon and House of Fraser litter the center, along with approximately 50 restaurants, including champagne and sushi bars, and a 14-screen cinema.
Mall Orientation
This supersized shopping mall, with its wide walkways, has been cleverly designed to make orientation around the center's 43 acres easy. Its oval shape, plus a plethora of large touch-screen computers allow shoppers to get heir bearings and navigate themselves around, searching for stores and dining areas.
Westfield Mall Location
The nearest London tube (metro) stations to the Westfield center are White City, Shepherd's Bush, Shepherd’s Bush Market and Wood Lane.
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